“25e bei uns” Schlepzig, shmeklig.

This a wonderful section of the Spreeradweg, probably the best. Small towns, few cars when you stay away from the larger roads and plenty to see.

I arrived in Schlepzig and decided that I had gone far enough for the day. Its a pretty looking place with plenty of lodging opportunities. The first place I called at had a phone number posted that I duly called. 40e they wanted for one night, I said no, one person one night. Anyway, I thanked him for the opportunity to use up my phone credit and hung up. The next place I tried was full, but the woman there suggested a similar price.

I decided the third time woud be lucky and indeed the old dear greeted me warmly, pouncing on me as I approached the door. Good I thought. Well its 25e “bei uns” without breakfast. “Bei uns”, is a phrase I loathe. Its the war cry of the narrow minded. Its not really, but its the phrase I regularly hear from the serving person/ owner who Im dealing with. Usually when they are looking to fleece me.

Well, her welcome congealed somewhat when she realised I was not the person who had booked and in a very uninterested, eager to have me off her property wished me luck. I really had the feeling that if she had the energy, a little more collagen and stronger bones, she would have physically aided my departure.

I headed out of the town, Ive no idea why it is so expensive there and it seems to be beloved of the rich and retired. I was happy to leave and wondering what the reception would be like in Lubben, when I saw this sign.

Im a sucker for such signs, or less trodden offshoot paths. Imagine my surprise as after narrowing considerably, the path opened out to a fabulous place. People eating and drinking by the river. Locals arriving by boat, small groups leaving on evening trips, tents pitched beside the river and men sitting there fishing it.

After drinking in the scene I asked the chap who was serving if they had a room for me and what it cost. 25e with breakfast was very easily sold, I looked at the room anyway, but this was just a formality. I never agree to a room without first seeing it.

Showered and the bike safely locked in my room, I joined the pleasant atmosphere and ate. Ive no idea why I didn’t have fish, but dinner was good as was the beer. The woman who also served me wasn’t great, but the bloke made up for her. I had three beers and as the insects took over, I retired to my room and slept like a log.

Breakfast was pretty good and I had a wonderful mornings cycle.